2007-09-20 Veteran Advisory Committee Minutes

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Veterans Advisory Committee Page 7 September 20, 2007 graves will reach almost 9 feet down and a bigger backhoe will be needed and the weight factor is pretty high. Chairman Highley said they felt the time would come when West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery would be out of room and have to turn veterans away from the cemetery. That time has almost come. Many items discussed at this meeting are for record purposes so that people responsible are aware of situations that need to be remedied at the cemeteries. Director Engelhard requested two things from Mr. Hanato 1) send the report that was just read and 2) have the cemetery staff talk to their bosses. None of these requests are coming to us and it shouldn't be a surprise to me that they're asking for these things. NEW BUSINESS Wreaths Across America Ms. Barbara Cooper - Wreaths Across America - East Hawaii Liaison attended the meeting to meet members that weren't at last months meeting. Vice Chair Penny Fox suggested members review the statement from last month's meeting regarding the project and ask Ms. Cooper any questions. Chairman Highley said they participated in program last year and would like to know what to do for this year since they are very interested. Vice Chair Penny Fox said that Joy Hofer is the West Hawaii Liaison (Ph# 937 -9507) who is with the Hawaii Loa Chapter of the National Sons & Daughters of the American Revolution. The program will be held on December 15th at 12 noon. Ms. Cooper said she's attending again to make sure that all of the Veterans groups are informed of the program and aware that they are invited to participate in ceremony and help lay wreaths. Wreaths are coming from Maine for every grave if we get enough sponsorships and the ceremony includes (7) wreaths for each branch of the military plus MIA and POW. Currently in the process of developing the ceremony. Civil Air Patrol was asked because they have squadrons across the nation and it's a good project for the cadets and youth. Civil Air Patrol will provide the honor guard, but would like to get everybody else involved. Contacted ROTC groups, Hilo Middle School Key Club or Builders Club, Boy Scouts, etc. to help lay wreaths. Would like civilians and anyone else to help lay wreaths down. Barbara has information, brochures and has written letters to major businesses looking for sponsorships. They had a booth at the County Fair, will be at the St. Joseph Country Fair and in front of Walmart. Ms. Cooper said there is a video she would be happy to share with any of the veterans groups and a website link with a page for each sponsor to start posting information.